Philharmonic cancels upcoming season – Citizens Voice

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The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic has cancelled its upcoming season to reevaluate the state of the orchestra, the organization announced Friday.

What would have been the 46th season of the orchestra, themed the “Season of Excitement,” will transform into a single concert in October before “suspending operations for the 2017-18 season (to) contemplate the organization’s financial viability,” according to a press release.

In spite of sponsorships the organization receives, the group is unable to financially support the coming season.

“Even a sold-out house provides only 35 percent of the cost of producing each concert,” the press release states. “The board and staff have cut expenses, received unwavering support from all parts of the region, introduced new marketing and relocated to new venues, but are still unable to remain solvent.”

A PNC Pops concert, “The Music of John Williams,” is set for Saturday, Oct. 7, at the People’s Security Bank Theater at Lackawanna College, where Music Director Lawrence Loh will conduct his final show with the NEPA Philharmonic and be honored for his 12 years with the orchestra.

Loh’s departure from the NEPA Philharmonic was announced in June, when the organization said he would resign at the conclusion of the 2017-18 season to become the music director for the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

As his gift to the community, Loh is donating his services for the final PNC Pops concert.